Euglobulin lysis time

The euglobulin lysis time (ELT) is a test that measures overall fibrinolysis. The test is performed by mixing citrated platelet-poor plasma with acid in a glass test tube. This acidification causes the precipitation of certain clotting factors in a complex called the euglobulin fraction. The euglobulin fraction contains the important fibrinolytic factors fibrinogen, PAI-1, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen, and to a lesser extent α₂-antiplasmin. The euglobulin fraction also contains factor VIII.^{[citation needed]}

Euglobulin lysis time
Test of	Overall fibrinolysis

After precipitation, the euglobulin fraction is resuspended in a borate solution. Clotting is then activated by the addition of calcium chloride at 37 °C. Historically, subsequent amount of fibrinolysis was determined by eye, by observing the clot within the test tube at ten-minute intervals until complete lysis had occurred.^[1] Newer automated methods have also been developed. These methods use the same principle as the older technique, but use a spectrophotometer to track clot lysis as a function of optical density.^[2]

References

1. Kowalski, E.; Kopeć, M.; Niewiarowski, S. (1959). "An Evaluation of the Euglobulin Method for the Determination of Fibrinolysis". Journal of Clinical Pathology. 12 (3): 215–8. doi:10.1136/jcp.12.3.215. PMC 479903. PMID 13654539.
2. Smith, Amy A.; Jacobson, Linda J.; Miller, Brian I.; Hathaway, William E.; Manco-Johnson, Marilyn J. (January 2003). "A new euglobulin clot lysis assay for global fibrinolysis". Thrombosis Research. 112 (5–6): 329–337. doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2004.01.001. PMID 15041279.